Cardona is optimist about summer tournaments

The warmer months are approaching on the island of Puerto Rico and for volleyball fans this means a step closer towards the opportunity to witness their national representations competing against some of the best teams in the world.

Head coach Carlos Cardona is clear about the important international contests that are part of the summer schedule for the Puerto Rican men’s national team.


“We have a talented group that in the last years has been expected to not only be competitive, but also make it to the medal podium at the end of every regional contest”, expressed an optimist Cardona.

For this summer, two international games are at the top of the priority list for Puerto Rico.

Starting in May, the men’s national representation will compete for the first time in the prestigious World League. Team Puerto Rico will host series against Brazil, United States and Poland.

The second important contest is the NORCECA qualifying tournament for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. These regional games will decide the Olympic representatives of North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

For all these important regional sports commitments, Cardona has already identified a list of potential players who are elegible for the national team.

Besides seeded players like Hector “Picky” Soto and other outstanding Puerto Rican volleyball athletes, the coach is also evaluating the work of those students who are active in the American college circuit.

Penn State prospects Edgardo Goas (setter) and Dennis Del Valle (libero) have already been called by the Puerto Rican volleyball federation.

“Both players have been part of our teams in the past and we hope to have them again once they are available. I believe Dennis and Edgardo will contribute in their respective positions”, added Cardona.

In addition to the World League and the NORCECA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, Puerto Rico will also participate in the 2011 Pan American Games to be held in Mexico.

(The photo is a courtesy of Gabriel Muriente Pastrana.)